Much of the research in the past 20+ years about motivation and willpower have demonstrated that there is a mind-body connection for success.

What we know is that the most effective tips to achieve your goals, through the mind/body connection, is to consider that positive thinking addresses the mind, but action is the key to ingredient to achieving the goal.

Consider these mind/body connection tips and techniques for beating the odds to achieve what you want:

1. WILLPOWER: Flex your muscles

Research by Iris Hung has shown that tensing muscles can boost willpower and result in temptation avoidance.

Make a muscle with your biceps, grab a pencil tightly, hold a fist for a few seconds and you may find that your willpower is activated.

2. PROCRASTINATION: Clear a path by taking a step

One of the most effective ways to overcome procrastination is to carry out one small piece of an activity: facing a dirty kitchen? clean one cup or plate; dreading the beginning of a writing project? type a working title or your name or a random word/thought on the page; avoiding a work out? put on your gear and stretch your body for 3 – 5 minutes.

Once you begin, you will likely find that the procrastination energy reduces or clears and you will have a cleared the way to accomplishing the task.

3. Negativity: Let it out and let it go:

When we are in the midst of tackling the work of our projects and goals, we can experience resistance, overwhelm and negative thinking.

Rather than ignoring the negative self-talk, or engaging in positive affirmations, Wiseman encourages us to take action: acknowledge these self-defeating thoughts and feelings, by writing them down.

Once you have written down the negative, you can then clear a space to move on with a more positive outlook and take action. Says Wiseman, “You’ll boost your self-esteem and happiness by gaining control of your situation”.